Joselyn Rivera sang "Give Your Heart a Break," and I thought she struggled with the first notes; ironic, since she thought the song would "show my range." The coaches were amiable, though Christina did note some nerves in her voice. Christina’s grand observation though, was saying Joselyn did a good job walking down stairs in her high heels because Christina "knows how hard that is." If the best thing you can say about a girl’s performance is how well she WALKED, it’s a bad sign. Don’t vote for Joselyn.

Twee princess Melanie Martinez put a jazzy, sultry spin on "Hit the Road, Jack," and happy memories of singing this song with my mother in the kitchen were forever sullied. Just because Melanie has an interesting voice, doesn’t mean it’s a good voice. Christina’s critique was prolonged and full of pauses, meaning the Diva Queen had the same reaction as me: MEH. Don’t vote for Melanie.

Bryan Keith took on "Iris," and middle-school me was happy. For most of the song, Bryan was like listening to John Rzeznik but BETTER, and then he hit the last note, and held it. Marvelous. Blake said he sounded like Neil Diamond in his lower register (Blake had many moments Monday that made me question what space world he lives in), and Adam noted Brian’s spirit, soul and passion. Vote for Bryan.

Loren Allred sang "All Around the World," in an effort to stop "flying under the radar," and said her time on "The Voice" was to make "dropping out of school worth it." Hint: IT NEVER IS OKAY TO DROP OUT OF SCHOOL, GUYS. She’s still flying under the radar as far as I’m concerned. She’s good, but not great, and that’s the key difference. Don’t vote for Loren.

THE BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT was hands down, Amanda Brown, with "Dream On." This was her best song yet, and she conveyed every emotion in that song with such comprehensive depth and power. She has such a commanding stage presence, and she had this little growl in the middle of the first verse that sent chills up my spine. And seriously, how extensive is this woman’s vocal register? She can sing ANY note. Vote for Amanda.

TEAM BLAKE SHELTON

Terry McDermott did an admirable job with “Don’t Stop Believing.” Blake said he was excited for Terry, because he’s a chance to make classic rock cool again (once more, WHAT WORLD IS BLAKE LIVING IN? Classic rock needs to be made cool again? When was it not cool?) I love Terry, and he’s a powerhouse, but here’s the thing: we need to hear something from him other than classic rock songs. Till then, you should still vote for Terry.

Liz Davis sang “Independence Day,” which I guess is timely given, you know, elections and patriotism and AMERICA, but I can’t get fully behind a country artist, no matter how good. And Liz is good. Really good. When it comes to voting for Liz, decide for yourself. I’m impartial.

Cassadee Pope sang “ My Happy Ending,” and most of the coaches loved it — Christina said that while Avril Lavigne is more straightforward in her approach, Cassadee put more angst and anger into it, and she made the song “come to life.” My problem with Cassadee is this: She’s already achieved relative fame with her old group, Hey Monday. She’s already been “discovered.” She should not be on this show. Don’t vote for Cassadee.

Julio Cesar Castillo went back to his roots with the mariachi song “El Ray,” and the coaches applauded the way he conveyed the “emotion of the song” given he was singing in Spanish. Adam said Julio made sure “people understood, emotionally, what was happening on stage.” Did you understand what was happening emotionally on stage? Because I didn’t, sorry. He’s a good mariachi singer, but Julio has failed to shine on any of this other songs this season, so I don’t think he can hold his own. Don’t vote for Julio.

Michaela Paige sang Neon Trees’ “Everybody Talks,” and it was actually pretty adorable. She struggled with a note or two, but that’s because she was running all over the stage like a mad woman, and it was really her best performance yet. Blake said “Everybody Talks” was perfect for Michaela because “she’s my little punk rocker.” And Blake, again, COME BACK TO EARTH, because Neon Trees is not punk rock. Vote for Michaela.

Leftover Thoughts, or How the Live Shows are Different/Better than Recorded Ones:

The lighting is better.

Carson Daly is even MORE awkward.

Cee Lo is wearing a wig and silk man blouse. He’s like a fat Prince.

Speaking of hair, Adam’s hair is …. I just want to touch it.

Michaela’s faux-hawk is taller.

Group performances, guys! Teams Adam and Blake opened the night with “Peace of Mind,” which was basically a chance for Terry to put everyone else away. Classic rock? Please, this isn’t even fair for everyone else! Cassadee basically phoned it in, Julio was awful, and Terry and Amanda were the only ones worth watching.

We're about half done with the battle rounds on NBC's "The Voice," and coaches have been making some tough decisions in whittling down their teams. But for every few cuts they make, an addition happens with a steal.

Tuesday night on NBC's "The Voice," it was a battle between the singer who can dance and the dancer who can sing, between twee and bombastic, and the time-saving glory of the montage and my poor memory of "who the hell are these people."

NEWINGTON – Mickey Gurzenda is accustomed to pitching in relief. Over the past three seasons that Southington South has played together, manager Chris LaPorte said, Gurzenda has pitched in a starting role once.